The artist
Prerana Deshpande stands as one of the most compelling and complete Kathak artists of our time—a dancer, choreographer, rhythmic and musical innovator, and aesthetic visionary whose contributions have helped shape the global perception of Kathak as both, a classical and evolving art form. Known for her ability to blend the grammar of tradition with the soul of innovation, Prerana’s performances are marked by an effortless synthesis of grace, rhythm, and expression. Her dance has been described as “uniquely complete… an effortless synchronisation of aesthetics, playful rhythm, graceful expression, and haunting music.”
Prerana's prolific career has seen series of performances at leading platforms of India like Khajuraho Dance Festival, Kathak Mahotsav by Kathak Kendra, NCPA, Ajanta-Ellora Festival, Devdasi Festival, Uday Shankar Festival, and many more. She has also been awarded the Devdasi National Award, and the ‘Sangar Mani’ title by Sur Singar Samsad, and ‘Nrityashri’ title in Katani. Globally, Prerana's art has graced platforms in the USA, Australia, Europe, Africa. A regular invitee for her artistry and scholarship in Kathak pedagogy in the USA, Prerana has performed at stages like Alvin Ailey American Dnace Theatre NYC, LearnQuest Boston, Chicago Kathak Festival, Prakriti by Colorado Fine Arts, and many others.
At the heart of Prerana’s artistic identity is her commitment to purity in classical Kathak, while continually exploring new creative territories. Her expertise in rhythm (laya) has built her a reputation as one of the most robust rhythmic experts of her time. Her creation of Taal Shanyayan, a complex rhythmic cycle of 7.5 beats, is not merely an experimental piece but a landmark contribution to the world of rhythm and percussion, pushing the boundaries of Kathak’s rhythmic vocabulary. Her production of Shanyayan in 2019 garnered high praise by the late Padma Shri Dr Sunil Kothari and audiences. A testament to her pedagogical work in rhythm is her talk on ‘Mathematics in Kathak’ which she was invited to present at Asia Society and IAAC events in New York in 2008-10 in the presence of Dr Kothari and other connoisseurs.
As one of the few performers of ‘Aise Ram’, an intense, traditional piece in abhinaya, Prerana’s rendition of this at the 2024 Khajuraho Festival was a highlight. She is also among the rare few artists who direct not only the choreography of their productions but also their musical arrangements, visual design, and even attire. In 2018, her choreography ‘Vrindavan Raas’ debuted in India as a seamless amalgamation of Taal presentation and lyrical storytelling of Krishna. Her own picturesque poetry woven with her musical aesthetic came alive in the composition as Prerana expanded her horizons, taking creativity beyond dance to new heights.
In Taal Mala, originally conceptualised by Guru Mohanrao Kallianpurkar, Prerana reimagined a traditional concept with contemporary visuals, vibrant choreography, and original musical direction. The result is a stunning performance that bridges classical tradition with modern appeal, captivating both connoisseurs and newer audiences. In 2024, this rare piece was presented at the prestigious NCPA stage. Her evolving body of work includes both pure classical presentations and thematic explorations, all underscored by her deep musical insight and aesthetic intelligence.
Prerana’s mastery is the result of rigorous training and a deep-rooted lineage. She is a distinguished disciple of Guru Dr. Rohini Bhate, with whom she studied intensively for over 22 years. Her early training was under Smt. Sharadini Gole, who first instilled in her the love for Kathak. Described as an “artist of rare calibre” by Guru Rohiniji, Prerana’s close connection and Sanskar from her Guru gave her a rare knowledge of Kathak aesthetics and vision in both Lucknow and Jaipur gharanas, of which Rohiniji was a direct exponent.
A recipient of the National Scholarship from the Government of India, Prerana holds a Master of Arts in Dance from the University of Pune as a gold medallist. She is an empanelled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Today, Prerana is the founder of Nrityadham, an institute for performing arts in Pune, where she trains a vast network of students from across India, North and South Americas, Europe, the UK, and Australia. Her many talented disciples are practising and carrying forward the tradition of Kathak in their respective locations while maintain their continued guidance from Prerana. Prerana Deshpande’s legacy is not just one of brilliance in performance, but of vision in shaping Kathak’s future. Through her deep scholarship, choreographic innovations, and dedication to aesthetic excellence, she continues to expand the boundaries of Kathak as a living, breathing, and ever-evolving classical form.
